SME V : what to expect ?

I have used the SME V and IV on the following turntables: Basis Debut Signature, Technics SP 10 III and Technics SP 10 II (both fully restored Bill Thalmann), and Thorens TD 124 II and I (both fully restored). Cartridges include Benz LPS and Benz LP (upgraded with micro ridge stylus), Denon 103R, Ortofon 2m Black, Shure V15 Type Vmxr (with Jico stylus) and others. Overall, the SME arms are excellent arms. Unlike others, I have never had bass problems with these arms. They sound ripe, lush and detailed. Their sonic characteristics carry over from turntable to turntable fairly intact. The SME IV is more lively and dynamic sounding than the V, perhaps a bit colored in this respect. I have never had tracking / tracing issues with these arms. But, set up is critical to achieve best results. I use the SME overhang gauge to rough in positioning, and then fine tune with the Feickert device. VTA is difficult to adjust properly. I am amazed at how well the SME V handles the Shure V15 Type Vmxr due to the high compliance of the Shure. As for azimuth, while I check it with Fozgometer, I don’t adjust the SMEs because of the sheer difficulty of it – adding spacers to the cartridge mount, readjusting the cartridge, rechecking, and re-doing because it’s not quite right. Ultimate exasperation. Nonetheless, the SME’s azimuth is very close to correct.

Now what is really interesting is how the SME arms compare to the Graham Phantom Supremes. I use a 9” Graham on the Basis and the 10” Graham on the Technics tables. The Graham’s have far superior adjustments for overhang, VTA and azimuth. The result is a more perfectly dialed-in sound. I simply can’t fine tune the SMEs as well as I can the Grahams (azimuth is adjusted with the Fozgometer). As compared to the SMEs, the Grahams have superior inner detail, dynamics, delicacy and bass definition. Overall sound is “leaner” with Grahams as compared to the SMEs – perhaps attributable to the bass ripeness for which the SMEs are so famous. Unfortunately, the Graham simply can’t handle the low tracking force of the Shure V15 Type Vmxr, especially for anti-skate adjustment.

Are the Grahams better arms than the SMEs? Yes, in my experience they are better in almost all respects. Would I give up my SMEs? No! They are superb arms which I enjoy very much for their view of the music.

The next step in my analog journey is to get a handle on how longer arms affect the sound. I have the SME 312S on hand and the 12 inch Graham is a possibility with a change in arm wands.

This is more than you asked – hope it helps.

Kmccarty, when I mentioned problems with tracking/tracing, I didn't mean to say I had problems with skipping(stylus not staying in the groove). My SME's were great trackers in that regard.

I was referring to the fact that pivoted arms are really only dialed in at their two null points and the further you get away from those null points, distortion increases. For whatever reason, I'm quite sensitive to this, particularly near the beginning and towards the end of an lp. My brother, who was born blind, is also very sensitive to this. Aside from my couple nit pics of the SME's, I really did enjoy my time spent with them.

@Kmccarty

You judge the quality of an arm with a Shure V15 ??????

The SME IV and V are very old designs, unchanged from 1987, when they were introduced!

VERY OVER RATED!!!

Thank you so much for your feedback.

The SME V is simply a no-nonsense Product. A good choice when someone is
not an analog fanatic and wants something done right (from the construction).
Sonically it has a good soundstage (but only in the depth, not in the height),
good detail and in a way, you need some knowledge for matching cartridges.
The Shure cart. is a good match for the 3009 (that Arm is hugely overrated,
specially in combination with the MC carts we normally use).
Try to find someone who can rewire that Arm with a good cable, when you
can't, go for the US SME IV.Vi, I think, that one has the best cable from all
inside.